Mark L. Hopkins: Plan ahead

Monday

May 1, 2017 at 11:25 AMMay 1, 2017 at 11:27 AM

Mark L. Hopkins More Content Now

We do not have a centralized plan in place to solve the multiple problems we are facing as a country and that simple fact has us constantly in conflict at the highest levels of government. One might think that Washington D.C. is a reflection of the state of mind of the country but it is more likely the other way around. Our national leadership is constantly in turmoil. That is reflected in the media and, in turn, it is picked up all across the country.

As a nation we have many very serious problems to solve. These problems are as varied as energy, illegal immigration, public education, infrastructure, National Defense, and balancing the budget, to name but a few.

Much of the conflict comes as a result of the confusion about the direction our leadership is taking us. The president “Tweets” something and various members of his Cabinet and/or his staff either attempt to explain what he meant or just disagree with what he said. If one adds in the conflicts with various special interest groups and various courts from across the country, our planning/direction dilemma becomes obvious. Congress is awaiting presidential leadership and they are hearing lots of words but no clear direction. In short, we don’t know where the president is leading and whether anyone is following.

University business management programs tell us that the first item in organizing a business is planning. A well run business develops plans that take it into the future. In the formative stages of the planning process those who share the business responsibilities are asked for ideas so that everyone involved not only has an opportunity for input but, also, will know where the business is headed so they can pitch in to help.

If one wants to borrow money to start a new business and goes to the bank the first thing the bank will request is a business plan. If a business plan is necessary before a business can borrow money shouldn’t our government, our biggest business and the ultimate borrower, be required to have a comprehensive business plan? Our government’s lack of planning has the country in debt to one funding source or another for more than $20 trillion. If our people don’t know the government’s plan to solve the debt problem, how can they become a part of making the plan successful?

Our energy program stands out as a good example of our ineptness in planning. Because we don’t have a comprehensive plan to handle this complex problem we fight over every little issue; the pipeline, where windmills can be put, off-shore drilling, etc. Having a plan would tell us where each one fits into the solution of our energy problems.

Illegal Immigration was a major issue of the political campaign. Our president has promised that a wall will be built. Why? If we block that access to the country we have three other borders that are far more difficult to control than the southern border. We also have an inability to track internationals who have entered the country legally but have overstayed their visas. Solving the illegal immigration problem will require a comprehensive approach that far exceeds the complexity of just building a wall. In fact, if we solve some of the problems related to tracking visitors to our country, a wall and the billions it will cost may not be necessary.

Our president has said, “Who knew healthcare would be so difficult?” and “Being president is harder than I thought.” As good businessmen know, everything is much easier if a solid planning process in in place.

Our lack of such planning reminds me of what French film director Nicolas Hulot called the “Titanic Syndrome.” Picture a giant luxury ship steaming along at night through icebergs, with all the lights on and the band playing. Picture the results of not planning ahead, of not slowing down and being careful.

-- Dr. Mark L. Hopkins writes for More Content Now and the Anderson Independent-Mail in South Carolina. He is past president of colleges and universities in four states. Books by Hopkins currently available on Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble include “Journey to Gettysburg” and “The Wounds of War,” both Civil War-era novels, and “The World As It Was When Jesus Came.” Contact him at presnet@presnet.net.